• develop a model to measure Alberta’s competitiveness compared to other jurisdictions, both nationally and internationally;
• share information on the province’s current competitive performance, and
• gather input on challenges facing Alberta’s ability to compete and on solutions to move the province forward.

“Over the past number of years, we’ve experienced significant competition for industry and investment from other jurisdictions,” said Premier Ed Stelmach. “The Alberta Competitiveness Act is a partnership between government and business to strengthen the economy and boost Albertans’ quality of life with lower prices, higher wages and more jobs.”

Work will be led by the Alberta Competitiveness Council which is co-chaired by Premier Stelmach and the Alberta Economic Development Authority’s Bob Brawn, with Finance and Enterprise Minister Ted Morton as an alternate co-chair. The forum officially opens the council’s discussion on ways to improve Alberta’s overall economic position and how to build on work already underway by government and industry.

“Alberta is currently one of the best places in the world to conduct business. We worked hard to earn this reputation, and if we want to keep it, it means addressing shortcomings in areas like the province’s low productivity growth,” said Ted Morton, Minister of Finance and Enterprise. “The forum will help determine where we need to focus our efforts over the course of this year.”

In addition to reviewing the province’s overall economic competitiveness, the council will review four specific sectors this year: agriculture (grains and oil seeds), financial services, manufacturing and petrochemicals. These sectors were chosen based on their role in the overall economy, opportunities for competitive improvements, and related initiatives already underway by government and industry. Once these sectors are completed, others will be reviewed.

The forum will include remarks from Premier Stelmach and Brawn, as well as a keynote, Global Perspective on Competitiveness Issues and How to Address Them, from Deborah L. Wince-Smith, President and CEO of the U.S. Council on Competitiveness.

Media are invited to attend the forum, including all speeches, with the exception of the plenary session in the afternoon. Premier Stelmach and Brawn will be available to comment on the new government-industry partnership to improve Alberta’s ability to compete at home and abroad.

The Government of Alberta has a clear plan for a strong economic recovery. The Way Forward will bring Alberta back into a surplus position in three years by trimming government spending; using cash reserves to protect key programs; continuing to invest in public infrastructure; and ensuring that our province's industries are competitive and continue to attract investment to provide jobs and prosperity.